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Consumer Affairs Recalls - Products, Vehicles, Foods

  1. The bolts securing the back may fail

    By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
    January 21, 2025

    Veyer has issued a recall for 64,000 WorkPro office chairs because the bolts that connect the back of the chair to its base can fail, posing a fall hazard to users.

    Veyer has received seven reports of consumers falling out of the chair, resulting in two minor injuries. The chairs were sold at Office Depot and OfficeMax stores nationwide and online at www.amazon.com, www.officedepot.com, www.walmart.com, www.ebay.com and other websites from October 2021 through September 2024 for about $430.

    This recall involves WorkPro Momentum office chairs. The recalled ergonomic chairs were sold in black (model number 8517865) or gray (model number 2864384) and have a metal frame, cushioned seat, five coaster wheels and a high back that shifts side-to-side. The model number is located underneath the seat cushion.

    What to do

    Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chair until repaired, and contact Veyer to receive a free repair kit, including shipping, and installation instructions. The repair kit consists of a back bracket, three bolts, an Allen wrench and a decorative cover. Veyer is contacting all known purchasers directly.

    Consumers may contact Veyer toll-free at 833-881-0087 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, email at support@momentumwarranty.com, or online at https://help.officedepot.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/7555/kw/recall or www.officedepot.com/ and click on Recall Notices at the bottom of the page for more information.

  2. The Vornado Air heaters were sold on Amazon.com

    By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
    January 17, 2025

    Vornado Air is recalling nearly 8,000 whole room heaters due to electric shock and fire hazards. The heaters were sold exclusively online at Amazon.com from August 2024 through October 2024 for about $90.

    The recall involves Vornado VH2 Whole Room Heaters with a JUL24 or AUG24 date code and TYPE VH2 printed on the silver rating label on the underside of the heater.

    The heaters are off-white and have thermostatic temperature control, automatic or continuous fan operation and two heat settings. Vornado with a red V behind it is printed on the front of the unit. Only units with a JUL24 or AUG24 date code are included in this recall.

    What to do

    Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled heaters and contact Vornado to confirm that their product is part of the recall and receive instructions on how to receive a free replacement heater.

    Consumers may contact Vornado toll-free at 844-205-7978 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, email at vh2recall@vornado.com or online at www.vornado.com/recalls/vh2 or www.vornado.com and click on Product Recalls at the top of the webpage to check if your heater is included in the recall.

  3. Lexmark is offering a repair part

    By Dieter Holger of ConsumerAffairs
    January 16, 2025

    Lexmark is recalling around 43,510 printers after reports of overheating and a fire, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

    What are the product details?

    • Product name:Lexmark specialty printers
    • Model numbers: MS725dvn and MX725adve

    Where were they sold?

    Between $1,000 and $4,200, the printers sold at Lexmark.com, CDW Logistics, Tech Data Product Management Inc. and Insight Direct USA from June 2018through Nov. 2024, the CPSC said.

    What should buyers do?

    Owners of the printers should immediately stop using the printersand contact Lexmark for a free repair part, which snaps into the unit inside the rear-access panel, the CPSC said.

    Lexmark can be reached by phone at +1-866-470-1574and by email atsafety@lexmark.com.

    PhotoImage of Lexmark'sMX725adve printer. Image via CPSC.

    Have there been any incidents?

    There have been two reports of the printers overheating and one fire, but no injuries or damage, the CPSC said.

  4. Northern Tool + Equipment has received 18 reports of injuries from falls

    By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
    January 16, 2025

    Northern Tool + Equipment is recalling nearly 52,000 adjustable swivel shop stools with backrests because of a fall hazard. The welded connection point between the seat base and the stool post can break, the company said.

    The company has received reports of 271 incidents related to the recalled stools, including 18 reports of injuries from falls, and 20 reports of falls without injury.

    Northern Tool + Equipment stores nationwide and online at NorthernTool.com, Walmart.com, Amazon.com and Ebay.com from September 2020 through June 2023 for about $80.

    This recall involves Northern Tool + Equipment Adjustable Swivel Shop Stools with Backrests. The NT logo is on the seat of the recalled shop stool. Model No. 20230 and Intradin Co., Ltd. are printed on separate labels located underneath the stools seat. Only stools manufactured by Intradin Co. Ltd. are included in this recall.

    What to do

    Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled stools and contact Northern Tool + Equipment to receive a free replacement stool by completing the form at https://www.northerntool.com/recall-details-20230. The stool should be disposed of in accordance with any local and state laws.

    Consumers may contact Northern Tool + Equipment toll-free at 888-518-0342 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, email Northern Tool + Equipment at inquiry@northerntool.com, visit online at https://www.northerntool.com/recall-details-20230 or www.northerntool.com and click on Product Recalls on the bottom of the homepage, or visit a Northern Tool + Equipment store for more information.

  5. The units were sold exclusively by HSN

    By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
    January 16, 2025

    Three61hass issued a recall for about 328,000 Samurai smoke alarms because they may fail to warn owners of a fire. The units were sold exclusively by HSN.

    Smoke sensitivity tests performed on the alarms by CPSC found that one of the detectors that was tested failed to alert when exposed to pre-determined concentrations of smoke.

    This recall involves Samurai-branded mini smoke alarms, model number SM1. The white and silver plastic smoke alarms measure about 2.5 by 2.5 by 2.5 inches. They were sold in packs of two or three alarms and came with lithium-ion batteries, adhesive stickers, screws, mounting plates and an instruction manual.

    Smoke appears on the front of the alarm below a button and installed on on the back. The model number is located on the product packaging. Three61 has received eight reports of the alarms failing to activate in the presence of smoke. No injuries have been reported.

    What to do

    Consumers should immediately contact Three61 for a free replacement alarm, including shipping. To register, consumers must write Recalled with a permanent marker on the smoke alarm and submit a photo of the marked product to the recall website at www.samuraibrands.com/recall.

    Once registered, the firm will immediately ship the replacement alarm. Consumers should keep the recalled smoke alarms installed until receiving the replacement alarm. Consumers should install the replacement alarms immediately upon receiving them. Three61 is contacting all known purchasers directly.

    Consumers may contact Three61 via email at recall@samuraibrands.com, or online at www.samuraibrands.com/recall or www.samuraibrands.com and click the recall banner on the top of the page for more information.

  6. Regulators worry the taquitos are lying in freezers

    By Dieter Holger of ConsumerAffairs
    January 13, 2025

    Bestway Sandwiches is recalling 24,870 pounds of itsCasa Mamita frozen taquitos sold at ALDI after they contained metal that causeda dental injury, the U.S. Department of Agriculturesaid Saturday.

    What are the product details?

    • Product name:Casa Mamita Chicken & Cheese Taquitos
    • Best by dates:07/03/25 and 09/25/25
    • Size:20-ounce cartons

    Photo

    Where were they sold?

    The frozen taquitos sold at ALDI grocery stores nationwide, the USDA said.

    What should buyers do?

    The frozen taquitos should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase, the USDA said.

    The USDA said it "is concerned that some product may be in consumers freezers."

    Have there been any injuries?

    One buyer reportedly suffered a dental injury, the USDA said.

    Another buyer complained that a piece of metal was found in the food.

  7. The helmets were sold exclusively by Amazon

    By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
    January 9, 2025

    Wemfg is recalling about 6,500 multi-purpose childrens helmets due to a head injury risk. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says the imported helmets are in violation of federal regulations for bicycle helmets.

    The company says it has not received reports of any injuries. The helmets were sold on Amazon.com from April 2024 through July 2024 for between $26 and $32.

    This recall involves Wemfgs childrens multi-purpose bike helmets. The helmets were sold in size small (S), fitting a head circumference of about 19-1/2 to 21-1/4 inches; and in the following multiple color combinations: blue/pink, green/blue, green/blue/purple, pink/blue/green, pink/purple/pink, pink/yellow/green, purple/pink/blue and purple/pink/yellow.

    All helmets have black padding, black straps and a black and red buckle. The helmets have a black and red plastic knob at the back of the helmet for adjusting the fitting. The model MD-710-S is printed on a white label on the inside of the helmet.

    What to do

    Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled helmets and contact Wemfg for a full refund. To receive a refund, consumers should destroy the helmet by cutting off the straps, take a photo of the detached straps, and send it with their Amazon order number to the recalling firm by email at 961837339@qq.com.

    After submitting proof of destruction, consumers should dispose of the recalled helmet. Wemfg and Amazon are contacting all known purchasers directly.

    Consumers may contact Wemfg via email at 961837339@qq.com, or online at the Wemfg Storefront page on Amazon.com, or Amazon.com Seller Profile: Wemfg for more information.

  8. The pills may contain foreign materia

    By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
    January 6, 2025

    Costco has issued a recall for Kirkland Signature Severe Cold & Flu Plus Congestion, sold in several states between October 30 and November 30, 2024.

    Out of an abundance of caution, the manufacturer has initiated a recall for the accidental release and shipment of a specific lot code that was rejected due to potential foreign material contamination.

    The membership retailer has sent letters to members who may have purchased the recalled item.

    Costco records indicate that you, or one of your add-on members, have purchased Item #1729556, the letter states.

    Affected units are marked with the lot code P140082.

    What to do

    Consumers should not use any remaining product marked with the above lot code. Return the item to your local Costco for a full refund.

    Consumers may call LNK International Inc. at 1-800-426-9391 or email complaints-inquiries@lnkintl.com for additional information.

  9. The meat may contain pieces of hard plastic and metal

    By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs
    January 6, 2025

    The U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns of frozen, raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically hard plastic and metal.

    A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase but may be in consumers' freezers.

    The frozen, raw ground beef items were produced on December 10, 2024. The following product is subject to the public health alert:

    • vacuum-sealed packages weighing approximately one pound containing Turner Farm, STOCKYARDS PACKING COMPANY GROUND BEEF and lot code 241210.

    The product bears establishment number EST. M2035 inside the USDA mark of inspection. The product was shipped to one retail location at Turner Farm, 7400 Given Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45243.

    Consumers complained

    The problem was discovered after the firm notified FSIS that it received a consumer complaint reporting that pieces of hard plastic and metal were found in the raw ground beef product.

    There have been no confirmed reports of injury or illness due to consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

    FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

    Consumers and members of the media with questions about the public health alert can contact Andy Korb, Owner, Stockyards Packing Co. LLC at 513-312-0648 or andy.korb@theyardsOH.com.

    Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

  10. The tires can suddenly lose air pressure

    By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
    October 23, 2024

    Toyota is recalling 11,890 2024 Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra and Tundra Hybrid vehicles. The passenger-side front and rear tires may have inner sidewall damage, which can cause a sudden loss of tire pressure.

    A sudden loss of tire pressure can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    What to do

    Dealers will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by November 30, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 24TA12.

    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.

  11. The recall adds to a bad year for listeria in food

    By Dieter Holger of ConsumerAffairs
    October 23, 2024

    Treehouse Foods expanded its listeria recall to include all frozen waffles and pancakes it made at a factory, the breakfast food maker said Tuesday.

    The recall now covers 192 varietes of frozen waffle or pancakes that shipped to every U.S. state over fears they are contaminated with the infectious germ listeria, Treehouse and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

    Albertson's, Aldi, Dollar General, Foodhold, HEB, Kroger, Publix, Target, Walmart and other grocery stores sold the frozen waffles and pancakes, Treehouse said.

    Treehouse said it expanded its recall, first announced on Oct. 18, after additional testing.

    What to do

    People who bought the waffles should dispose of them or return the recalled product to the place they bought it for credit.

    Shoppers can check product code on the back of the carton to see if the frozen waffles or pancakes are part of the listeria recall.

    What is listeria and how does it get in food?

    Listeria monocytogenes is a germ that is more likely to sicken the elderly, newborns and pregnant women and people with weak immune systems, causing serious and even life-threatening infections.

    Healthier individuals may suffer short-term symptoms such as fever, headaches, nausea and abdominal pain.

    An estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis, which is treated with antibiotics, each year and about 260 die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    There haven't been any hospitalizations, deaths or reported health problems from Treehouse's recall.

    The recall adds to a bad year for listeria in food, which typically arises from poor sanitation.

    In October, BrucePac recalled nearly 11.8 million pounds of meat and poultry after U.S. Food and Drug Administration inspectors detected listeria.

    In July, Boar's Head recalled more than 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat because of listeria contamination, which caused dozens of hospitalizations and the deaths of at least nine people.

    Inspectors found wet ceilings, mold, mildew and vermin at Boar's Head's meat factories.

  12. A potential hydrogen leak could cause the car to catch fire while parked

    By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs
    October 21, 2024

    Hyundai is recalling some 2019-2024 Nexo vehicles. The thermally activated pressure relief device (TPRD) may break and cause a hydrogen gas leak, which can result in a fire while parked.

    Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the TPRD, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 10, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Service at 800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 269.

    Curious about the Nexo?

    The Hyundai Nexo is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) that is classified as a crossover SUV. It's about the size of a Hyundai Tucson.

     

    Key features and characteristics:

    • Fuel cell technology: The Nexo uses a fuel cell to convert hydrogen gas into electricity, which powers an electric motor. This process produces only water vapor as a byproduct, making it a zero-emission vehicle.

    • Range: The Nexo offers a long driving range, typically around 380 miles on a full tank of hydrogen.

    • Refueling time: Refueling the Nexo with hydrogen is relatively quick, similar to filling a gasoline car.

    • Performance: The Nexo's electric motor provides 161 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque.

    • Availability: The Nexo is currently available in select markets, primarily in California, where hydrogen fueling infrastructure is more developed.

  13. The cars are very similar in their design

    By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs
    October 21, 2024

    Chrysler is recalling certain 2024-2025 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The brake pedal may collapse and cause a loss of brake function.

    Remedy

    Dealers will reinforce the brake pedal arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 24, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is B7B.

  14. The products were distributed throughout the U.S. and Canada

    By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
    October 21, 2024

    TreeHouse Foods, Inc. has issued a recall for certain frozen waffle products due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. 

    The recalled products were distributed throughout the United States and Canada and packed in various formats under various brand names listed below.

    Consumers and retailers can identify the UPC on the back of the carton, and the Lot Code and Best By Date for these products on the end of the carton. Photos of the affected products can also be found on this website.

    There have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the recalled products to date. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

    This issue was discovered through routine testing at the manufacturing facility.

    What to do

    Consumers should check their freezers for any of the products listed above and dispose of them or return the recalled product to the place of purchase for credit. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 800-596-2903, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (CST).

    This recall is being carried out with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

  15. The meals contain tainted chicken distributed and recalled by BrucePac

    By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
    October 21, 2024

    Albertsons has recalled 12 ReadyMeals and store-made deli items that contain ingredients supplied by BrucePac of Durant, Okla., which was found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes during routine tests by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). 

    The ReadyMeals and store-made deli items were available for purchase at the following stores: Albertsons, Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, Jewel-Osco, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw's, Star Market, Tom Thumb and Vons. 

    These stores are located in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming.

    What to do

    Consumers who have purchased these items are urged not to consume these products and to dispose of them or return the items to their local store for a full refund. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

    Product Recall Details:

    Product Name UPC Size Sell Thru Dates Store Banners States

    READY MEALS STREET TACOS CHICKEN SS COLD

    27131600000

    Each

    All Sell Thru dates up to and including Oct. 13, 2024

    Albertsons, Carrs- Safeway, Eagle, Jewel- Osco, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw's, Star Market

    Tom Thumb, Vons

    AK, AR, AZ, CA

    IA, ID, IL, IN

    LA, MA, ME

    NH, NM, NV

    RI, SD, TX, UT

    VT, WY, WA

    READY MEALS

    STREET TACO

    MEAL CKN ASADA SS COLD

    29939100000

    Each

    All Sell Thru

    dates up to and

    including Oct. 13, 2024

    Albertsons, Carrs-

    Safeway, Eagle, Jewel-

    Osco, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw's, Star Market

    Tom Thumb, Vons

    AK, AR, AZ, CA

    IA, ID, IL, IN

    LA, MA, ME

    NH, NM, NV

    RI, SD, TX, UT

    VT, WY, WA

    READY MEALS ENCHILADA CHICKEN GREEN CHILI SS COLD

    21291600000

    Each

    All Sell Thru dates up to and including Oct. 13, 2024

    Albertsons, Carrs- Safeway, Eagle, Jewel- Osco, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw's, Star Market

    Tom Thumb, Vons

    AK, AR, AZ, CA

    IA, ID, IL, IN

    LA, MA, ME

    NH, NM, NV

    RI, SD, TX, UT, VT, WY, WA

    READY MEALS STREET TACO MEAL CHICKEN SM SS COLD

    27179600000

    Each

    All Sell Thru dates up to and including Oct. 13, 2024

    Albertsons, Carrs- Safeway, Eagle, Jewel- Osco, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw's, Star Market

    Tom Thumb, Vons

    AK, AR, AZ, CA

    IA, ID, IL, IN

    LA, MA, ME

    NH, NM, NV

    RI, SD, TX, UT, VT, WY, WA

    ENCHILADA CHICKEN GREEN 6CT SS COLD

    27163500000

    Each

    All Sell Thru dates up to and including Oct. 13, 2024

    Albertsons, Carrs- Safeway, Eagle, Jewel- Osco, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw's, Star Market

    Tom Thumb, Vons

    AK, AR, AZ, CA

    IA, ID, IL, IN

    LA, MA, ME

    NH, NM, NV

    RI, SD, TX, UT, VT, WY, WA

    SALAD GINGER CHICKEN BROCCOLI FS

    27110800000

    1 LB

    All Sell Thru dates up to and including Oct. 13, 2024

    Albertsons, Carrs- Safeway, Eagle, Jewel- Osco, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw's, Star Market

    Tom Thumb, Vons

    AK, AR, AZ, CA

    IA, ID, IL, IN

    LA, MA, ME

    NH, NM, NV

    RI, SD, TX, UT, VT, WY, WA

    READY MEALS SALAD GINGER CHICKEN BROCCOLI SS

    29105700000

    Each

    All Sell Thru dates up to and including Oct. 13, 2024

    Albertsons, Carrs- Safeway, Eagle, Jewel- Osco, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw's, Star Market

    Tom Thumb, Vons

    AK, AR, AZ, CA

    IA, ID, IL, IN

    LA, MA, ME

    NH, NM, NV

    RI, SD, TX, UT, VT, WY, WA

    SALAD CHICKEN GINGER BROCCOLI FS

    29233600000

    1 LB

    All Sell Thru dates up to and including Oct. 13, 2024

    Albertsons, Carrs- Safeway, Eagle, Jewel- Osco, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw's, Star Market

    Tom Thumb, Vons

    AK, AR, AZ, CA

    IA, ID, IL, IN

    LA, MA, ME

    NH, NM, NV

    RI, SD, TX, UT, VT, WY, WA

    SALAD CAESAR CHICKEN FS

    29130700000

    1 LB

    All Sell Thru dates up to and including Oct.

    11, 2024

    Albertsons, Carrs- Safeway, Eagle, Jewel- Osco, Pavilions

    Randalls, Safeway

    Shaw's, Star Market

    Tom Thumb, Vons

    AK, AR, AZ, CA

    IA, ID, IL, IN

    LA, MA, ME

    NH, NM, NV

    RI, SD, TX, UT

    VT, WY, WA

    BOWL CAESAR CHICKEN

    29125500000

    Each

    All Sell Thru dates up to and including Oct. 11, 2024

    Albertsons, Carrs- Safeway, Eagle, Jewel- Osco, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw's, Star Market

    Tom Thumb, Vons

    AK, AR, AZ, CA

    IA, ID, IL, IN

    LA, MA, ME

    NH, NM, NV

    RI, SD, TX, UT, VT, WY, WA

    READY MEALS SALAD CAESAR CHICKEN SS

    21139700000

    1 LB

    All Sell Thru dates up to and including Oct. 11, 2024

    Albertsons, Carrs- Safeway, Eagle, Jewel- Osco, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw's, Star Market

    Tom Thumb, Vons

    AK, AR, AZ, CA

    IA, ID, IL, IN

    LA, MA, ME

    NH, NM, NV

    RI, SD, TX, UT, VT, WY, WA

    READY MEALS ASIAN STIR FRY SS COLD

    21296500000

    1 LB

    All Sell Thru dates up to and including Oct. 13, 2024

    Albertsons, Carrs- Safeway, Eagle, Jewel- Osco, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw's, Star Market

    Tom Thumb, Vons

    AK, AR, AZ, CA

    IA, ID, IL, IN

    LA, MA, ME

    NH, NM, NV

    RI, SD, TX, UT

    VT, WY, WA

  16. The schools are largely based in the Northeast, so far

    By Dieter Holger of ConsumerAffairs
    October 17, 2024

    Hundreds of schools bought meat and poultry that is under a massive recall because of listeria contamination, according to a preliminary list published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday.

    There are 204 schools on the USDA's early list and most are based in the Northeast U.S., a ConsumerAffairs review finds.

    Packaged meat seller BrucePac recalled around 11,765,285 pounds of meat and poultry, or 5,883 tons, in October after USDA food inspectors detected listeria.

    The meat and poultry shipped to restaurants, schools and other institutions, but it is unclear how much of the meat schools bought.

    So far, the schools that bought the meat and poultry recalled for listeria are based largely in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, especially in the cities of Philadelphia, Jersey City and Newark, mapping shows.

    The list of schools is expected to grow longer during the USDA's investigation into the listeria contamination.

     

     

    Why was the BrucePac meat and poultry recalled for listeria?

    The USDA's routine testing of finished BrucePac meat discovered listeria and further investigation found that BrucePac's ready-to-eat chicken was the source of the contamination.

    Listeria monocytogenes is a germ that is more likely to sicken the elderly, newborns and pregnant women and people with weak immune systems, causing serious and even life-threatening infections.

    Healthier individuals may suffer short-term symptoms such as fever, headaches, nausea and abdominal pain.

    An estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis, which is treated with antibiotics, each year and about 260 die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    There haven't been any reported health problems from the BrucePac recall yet, but a similar ready-to-meat recall over listeria suggests there may be soon.

    In July, Boar's Head recalled more than 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat because of listeria contamination, which caused dozens of hospitalizations and the deaths of at least nine people.

    Inspectors found wet ceilings, mold, mildew and vermin at Boar's Head's meat factories.

    Below is a table with the list of the schools that bought the BrucePac meat recalled for listeria.

     

     

  17. The power banks sold at Best Buy and Target

    By Dieter Holger of ConsumerAffairs
    October 17, 2024

    Anker is recalling power banks after some exploded and started fires.

    The recall is for around 2,100 power banks with the model numbers A1642, A1647 and A1652, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

    Anker has received 28 reports of the power bank's batteries overheating, exploding and catching fire, with two injuries that caused first and second degree burns to hands, the CPSC said.

    From January 2024 through July 2024, the power banks sold for between $40 to $60 at Best Buy, Target and other stores nationwide, and online at Amazon.com, Ebay.com, AAliExpress.com and Walmart.com, the CPSC said.

    Power banks are often recalled for fires.

    In June, Baseus recalled more than 100,000 power banks after they sparked fires that caused around $20,000 in property damage.

    What to do

    "Anker" appears engraved on the front of the power bank and the model numbers—A1642, A1647 or A1652— are on the back.

    Owners should stop using the power banks and contact Anker for a free replacement.

    Anker can be reached on its website for product recalls.

  18. The products are promotional lighters distributed by Olivia Cigars

    By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
    October 17, 2024

    Olivia Cigars is recalling 60,000 of its Cigar Slim lighters because they are missing a child safety feature, violating federal regulations for cigarette lighters.

    The recalled lighters do not have child-resistant mechanisms and were not tested to the federal regulatory requirements for child resistance. Young children under five years of age could ignite the lighters, posing fire and burn hazards. No incidents have been reported.

    This recall involves Oliva Cigar Nub, Oliva, Serie V and Cain branded cigar lighters given away as a promotional item for free. The recalled lighters have the brand name printed on one side, measure 3” x 1 ½” x ¼” and are white, brown or red in color.

    What to do

    Consumers should immediately stop using and dispose of the recalled promotional cigar lighters. 

    Oliva Cigars is contacting all known businesses and wholesalers who could have provided the promotional item to consumers. As the product was given away for free, no refund or replacement will be provided.

    Consumers may contact Oliva Cigars by email at recall@olivacigar.com or online at  https://olivacigar.com/lighter-recall or https://olivacigar.com/ and click “Recall” at the top of the page for more information.

  19. Two incidents resulted in third-degree burns to more than 40% of victims bodies

    By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
    October 17, 2024

    Colsen has issued a recall for about 89,500 fire pits. The company says there is a risk of serious burn injuries from flames jetting from the pit and spreading fire.

    The Consumer Product Safety Commission has received 31 reports of flame jetting and flames escaping from the concrete container, resulting in 19 burn injuries. 

    Two incidents resulted in third-degree burns to more than 40% of victims’ bodies, and at least six incidents have involved surgery, prolonged medical treatment, admission to burn treatment facilities, short-term disability, loss of function, physical therapy, or permanent disfigurement.

    The CPSC says alcohol flames can be invisible and lead to flame jetting when refilling the fire pit reservoir. Flame jetting is a serious event that can occur while pouring alcohol, when fire flashes back to the alcohol container and suddenly propels burning alcohol out of the container and onto people nearby. 

    Alcohol can also splash, spill or leak out of the fire pit reservoir during use, causing a flash fire that can spread and create larger, hotter flames that can escape the unit.

    Use of the recalled fire pits can lead to injury quickly and unexpectedly, causing burns in less than one second that can be serious and deadly. 

    This recall involves Colsen-branded indoor/outdoor tabletop fire pits. The fire pits consist of a concrete, open reservoir intended to contain burning liquid alcohol. There are seven models of Colsen-branded fire pits varying in size from 5 to 18 inches wide. The fire pit models are gray or black in color and are round, rectangular, hexagonal, square, or skull-shaped. The fire pits are sold with a flame extinguisher with the “Colsen” brand printed on it.

    The fire pits were sold online at Colsenfirepits.com and Amazon.com, Wayfair, Walmart, Sharper Image, FlipShop, Grommet, Meta, TikTok from January 2020 to July 2024 for between $40 and $90.

    What to do

    Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled fire pits and dispose of them. Do not resell or donate them. It is a violation of federal law to sell or distribute recalled products.

    The firm stopped selling Colsen-branded fire pits less than one year after it acquired the product business and does not have the financial resources to offer a remedy to consumers.

  20. The issues include faulty rearview mirrors and brake pedals

    By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
    October 16, 2024

    Chrysler (FCA) has issued three recall notices covering nearly 66,000 vehicles and parts to address problems with rearview mirrors and brake pedals.

    The company is recalling 13,119 MOPAR outside rearview trailer tow mirrors and mirror glass with part numbers 68286843AA, 68582424AA, 68582415AA and 68462879AA. 

    The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such, this equipment fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    What to do

    Dealers will repurchase or replace the glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 87B.

    The mirror issue has triggered another recall. The automaker is recalling 31,676 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror.

    What to do

    Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.

    Chrysler is also recalling 21,069 2024-2025 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The brake pedal may collapse and cause a loss of brake function. Loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.

    What to do

    Dealers will reinforce the brake pedal arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by October 24, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is B7B.

    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.